Most experts agree that the single most effective practice that prevents the spread of germs is good hand washing in by children, and others.  You can help stop the spread of germs by washing your hands and teaching your children good hand washing practices.

How to wash hands

Always use warm, running water and a mild, preferably liquid soap.  Antibacterial soaps may be used, but are not required.  Premoistened cleansing towelettes do not effectively clean hands and do not take the place of handwashing.

Wet the hands and apply a small amount (dime to quarter size) of liquid soap to hands.

Rub hands together vigorously until a soapy lather appears and continue for a least 15 seconds.  Be sure to scrub between fingers, under fingernails, and around the tops and palms of the hands.

Rinse hands under warm running water.  Leave the water running while drying hands.

Dry hands with a clean, disposable (or single use) towel, being careful to avoid touching the faucet handles or towel holder with clean hands.

Turn the faucet off using the towel as a barrier between your and the faucet handle.

Discard the used towel in a trash can lined with a fluid resistant (plastic) bag.  Trash cans with food-pedal operated lids are preferable.

Consider using hand lotion to prevent chapping of hands.  If using lotion, use liquids or tubes that can be squirted so the the hands do have direct contact with the container spout.  Direct contact with the spout could contaminate the lotion inside the container.

When assisting a child in hand washing, either hold the child (if and infant) or have the child stand on a safety step at a height at which the child’s hands can hang freely under the running water.  Assist the child in performing all of the above steps and then wash your hands.